Comfortable Pillow
“Sit here.”
At Ichinose's call, Rohan straightened up from his slouch.
The warm glow of the campfire made her face look softer than usual.
“Come on. I'm not going to invite you three times, am I?”
Rohan moved to her side without a word.
He sat where she patted the ground invitingly.
“...”
She'd laid out clothes like a mat—and a boundary line—to keep from crossing over, but with both of them sitting close, their sides brushed subtly anyway.
It would have been roomy for two smaller people, but with Rohan's bulk, it was inevitable.
“Not cold?”
“Not at all. My clothes are still damp, but the fire keeps it warm.”
“Catch a cold, and the test's over. You have to take care of yourself.”
“Heh... Lucky me, got a great partner and living the high life on this deserted island.”
Ichinose hugged her knees and gazed into the campfire.
The embers that had nearly died in her hands, only to revive like a miracle under Rohan's touch.
Now grown into roaring flames, they devoured the firewood with gusto, working tirelessly to keep the space cozy.
“Wonder if Noah's okay. She gets cranky fast when she's hungry—worries me.”
“Don't stress too much. She might've found some hidden stash and be feasting.”
Ichinose let out a small chuckle, as if picturing it.
Better to think positive than dwell on unsolvable worries.
Though that wasn't always easy.
“Told Noah if she can't take it, rip off the sticker. Eases my mind a bit. The effect was stronger than I expected—surprised me too.”
“It's not just Noah. Works the same for us. Can't hack it? Peel it off.”
Ichinose slowly turned her head to look at Rohan.
She wasn't sure about herself, but from his actions today, he'd breeze through five days no problem.
“...”
Moments piling up, curiosity about Rohan's past grew stronger.
Still, prying into a Southerner's history was like poking a trauma—definitely not a topic to bring up lightly.
Right now, just feeling secure with a reliable partner is enough.
Ichinose felt tension melt into peaceful calm, closing her eyes.
Feeling the warmth against her skin, they kept chatting idly.
“Once we knew it was a deserted island for the test, we could guess some things.”
“Felt like the academy dropped hints on purpose.”
“So Noah and I watched survival expert merc videos and borrowed books.”
“Oh? Stuff like that exists?”
“Picked up tons of theory and knowledge... but actually doing it? Totally different.”
“Theory and practice never match up perfectly in any field. Ignore theory, though, and you'll hit walls you can't break.”
Rohan nodded in agreement, snapping a twig in half and shoving it into the flames.
“Speaking of theory, how'd the written exam go?”
“Thanks to you, I filled out as much as I could. No time for doodling in the corner like the placement test.”
“Good to hear.”
“Had to, after bugging you every day.”
“Never felt like a bother. Your sharp questions made me review my own theory plenty.”
As they chatted on.
Rohan reached for the pile of firewood and kindling he'd gathered after eating.
Some were damp, but rationed right, they could coast through the day.
“Education's still best learned through experience over books...”
Ichinose's voice trailed into mumbles mid-sentence.
Growing softer, weaker.
Late hour she'd normally be asleep, hunger and thirst sated—sleep crashed in.
The sticker amplifying desire cranked up drowsiness without brakes; even tense in this unfamiliar place, Ichinose couldn't fight it.
“...”
Rohan quietly watched her in silence.
Knees hugged, head nodding off.
A few seconds later, it drooped fully.
Eyes closed like always, but definitely asleep.
Fair enough—she's earned it.
Rohan fought his own heavy eyelids too.
This was no mere tiredness; let your guard down, and it'd drag you under.
But he had his tricks—kept sleepy thoughts at bay by cycling vivid memories in his head. Could hold out a day or two easy.
“...”
He glanced at her profile again.
Then it hit him.
Let her sleep?
No point in night watch tonight—too much.
Better to let her recharge fully.
How long did he tend the fire, feeding it logs to keep the flame alive?
“Mmngh...”
Ichinose's body slowly tilted, her head landing on Rohan's shoulder.
“!”
Rohan snapped alert.
What was this—subway stranger lean? Zapped sleep right out of him.
“Neck'll hurt like that. Get comfy.”
Thinking to shift away and lay her on the clothes, Rohan cupped her head with his palm, easing her as she squirmed.
As he tried to slip free, her regular breaths came with a grip on his shirt.
“Instructor... this time, let me...”
Rohan chuckled softly at her sleep-talk, trying to pry her hand loose.
But his expression cracked in surprise.
What the—?
Pulling from the pinky wouldn't budge the iron fist clutching his shirt.
How much sword practice for that grip strength without mana?
Forcing it risked hurting her fingers.
“...”
One choice left.
Stay put.
*****
Huh?
When Ichinose woke.
First sight: the campfire flickering fist-sized flames, radiating faint warmth.
Ashes piled high from burned logs.
So quiet...
Half-dreaming awareness noted the downpour had stopped.
No need to look—gentle wind whispers confirmed it.
Could she sleep more? Mind foggy, unsettled.
Unusually comfy, she closed her eyes again.
Just as she tumbled back into slumber's pit.
Lightning struck—a sudden question.
Wait, when did I...?
And what was her pillow?
Senses probing slowly.
Firm, broad something. Warm—not an object, some mystery.
“...”
Okay to get up? Subtle anxiety stalled opening her eyes.
No escaping for Ichinose.
Eyes shut activated her unique skill, senses sharpening vividly.
Forcing surroundings into focus.
No way... right?
No choice—she opened them. Tried twisting to see the rock ceiling.
No ceiling. Familiar face first.
“Sleep well?”
Rohan, arms crossed against the wall, looked down with a greeting.
Ichinose blinked blankly, reality sinking in slow.
Rohan calmly explained.
“Sun's just up. Perfect timing.”
“...”
Ichinose groped numbly with her hand.
Realized her pillow was Rohan's thigh.
Acceptance hit like a flashbang—mind blanked white.
“Ah...? A-ahh!!”
Lips quivering, face flushing crimson.
Heat maxed out, exploding.
She bolted upright like repelled.
“Full of energy this morning, huh.”
Day two dawned.
Rohan smiled, satisfied at her vigor.
..
..
“Ground's soaked—feels gross.”
“...”
“Wonder if hornbirds show today. Can't eat gearoa or mudslimes.”
Rohan acted like nothing happened.
Ichinose lips sealed tight, sword in hand, trailed behind.
“Worst case, head to the sea for fishing?”
“Th-that sounds good!”
After repeated tries, she finally spoke.
Head down, but she'd recover soon.
“You ever fished, Ichinose... Huh?”
Rohan's words cut off mid-chat; she cracked her eyes.
Followed his gaze skyward. Looked too.
“...What's that?”
Ichinose finally clocked the anomaly.
Sky where transports passed.
Something descending slowly.
Masses of them, scattered evenly across the island.
Square boxes dangling from parachutes, spewing blatant red smoke.
Unmistakable shape—Rohan eyes widened.
Airdrop supplies!
Recalled Juyeon's words from the transport.
She'd said they'd drop visible supplies for all.
Heads-up he'd gotten.
“Probably resupply.”
“Ah! Right, they mentioned that.”
“Closest one's that way.”
Rohan pointed at one.
Changed course instantly.
“Hold on.”
Rohan halted at her voice.
Turned—Ichinose eyes closed, puzzled.
“That obvious? Means running into other groups.”
“Count on it.”
“What do we do?”
Her intent clear as day.
Rohan's reply crisp.
“Instructor said she'd allow fights that don't cross lines.”
Ichinose nodded understanding.
They moved out together.